> Opinion: According to the listing, this set includes 5 production script pages with polaroid inventory of Xena shoes. Not the most exciting props in the world, but maybe there are any shoes fetishists around here? lol Jokes apart, this was part of someone's job, and part of our favorite series, so this deserves to be loved as much as anything else!

> Opinion: Now, this I like! haha But only because I'm such a Xena's armor nerd! :) Same as before, these are 5 pages of photos, originally used in the production of the series. If nothing else, a good look on each individual armor piece Xena used to wear in her signature costume.

> Opinion: Aren't these amazing? I just love stuff like this! These pattern pieces were used to build the stunt safe armor used for action sequences, that were made of a flexible material instead of metal (thus why the word "polyshield" is written on them). However, I'm pretty sure patterns for the regular metal armor were fairly similar, if not identical.

> Opinion: Now it's turn for Hercules production pieces. These are original script pages from HTLJ, full of swatches and polaroids - together they conform the instructions for making Hercules/Kevin Sorbo's pants, and also include production photos of Hercules gauntlets. I don't know you guys, but I love Hercules main costume, so this may be a fantastic opportunity to get something related to its making for a fairly cheap price.

> Opinion: More costume instructions, this time from everyone's favorite thief: Autolycus. This papers were used by the Production department (of Hercules) to make Auto's pants, and includes other costume making information with swatches and photos.

> Opinion: I admit not being such a HTLJ's fan as I am of Xena. But I remember watching the Eyre/Ireland episodes back in the day, and loving them. Specially Morrigan. I loved that she was a strong female, and an equal to Hercules in many ways. Well, if you loved Morrigan as much as me or more this is your opportunity to get the instructions used to make her costume, as well as swatches and photos of it.

> Opinion: You all know Dahak, of course. But do you know Xena and Gabrielle were supposed to guest star in HTLJ for the last Dahak episode, to help Hercules and Iolaus defeat him once and for all? The crossover didn't come to fruition due to schedule issues (a shame!) but the saga is not less memorable. This is a very little part of it, but I'm sure someone has the right spot in their collection for this particular costume pattern.

> Opinion: Moving one from Shed11costumehouse, Manstrale also brings us a huge array of Xena props. This, for example, is the blood goblet all Bacchaes drink from to bind themselves to the will of Bacchus. Such an iconic episode! User reminds that this goblet used to be painted with gold paint, but it has faded away over the years, revealing the red resin underneath. I'd say this is a bit expensive, but it seems only one goblet was used for the episode.

> Opinion: The next items this seller brings us are a couple used by Idrajit, the King of Demons, in one of the episodes of the India arc. I've seen a few swords like this in the past and are very cool - though the level of wear it's always a crucial factor.

> Opinion: This kind of dagger was used hundreds of times during Xena. You can spot one of these in almost every episode, for example handled by Draco in S1 "Sins of the Past", or by Gabrielle to kill romans in S4 "Ides of March". Quite an iconic piece, though a bit expensive if we think of the amount of copies we can find around still nowadays.

> Opinion: Knife or dagger used by an unknown character in an unknown episode. I do think this is like the previous dagger (a prop used in many episodes throughout the seasons), only less recognizable. If you recognize it or spot it somewhere make sure to tell me!

> Opinion: You all know I'm not a big fan of jewelry props, so I don't know what to say about this. Seller doesn't know to whom this belonged, but probably to several characters (props like this were used in many episodes, like the daggers above). Again, I'd say this is expensive if we take into account all the information available. But it's only my opinion ;)

> Opinion: This I find more interesting. Seller says he doesn't know either where this bracelet comes from, but for the looks of it I'd put my money on the Egypt episodes seen on Xena. Apart from that, same price and unknown metal, so more or less same opinion.

> Opinion: Maracas! lol Manstrale has also listed three maraca music instruments (rumba shakers), used either in Xena or Hercules. I'm not aware of ever seeing maracas in Xena, but anything is possible. There were many episodes music-related, and so many others had people playing music at some point. So who knows!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

I'm very happy and proud to make this announcement. I've been wanting to share this with you for many days, but shippings and holidays got in the way. Never mind now, today is the day!

My big news is that two very special items are finally in my power: Gabrielle and Xena's katanas. But not just any katanas, no sir. The real deal! Here they are, look at them for yourselves and rejoice!

Both katanas and sheaths side by side.

Close-ups to the blades (left) and the hilts (right).

Gabrielle's katana is the OOAK metal prop used by Renee O'Connor herself in FIN, immediately recognizable thanks to the luscious dragon engravings and blue fabric. Screen-used and screen-matched! As far as the previous owners and I know, only one metal katana was used in FIN, making this item absolutely unique. Priceless! Thanks a lot, Sabrina!

On the other hand, Xena's katana might not be the original prop but it's a 100% screen-accurate "sister" of the one used on the series. Look at the nightingale engravings in the sheath, identical to the ones seen on screen! This katana was made by the same katana masters that built the prop for FIN, making this an exact match to the tiniest detail. Mind-blowing as well!

> Opinion: This is odd. It's not the first time we see #415 around here, I reviewed it some weeks ago (as you can check here). Only now the seller is different, and the aspect of the chakram too! If you compare both photos (the one above these lines and the one in my previous post) you can clearly see all the weathering has disappeared. It surely does look as if someone has repainted the piece again, but hasn't done the rust/dirt effects. Maybe that's why it's selling much cheaper now.

> Opinion: Though the listing says this is number 415 as well, I believe it's a typo and the real number is 381. If that's true, then here again we have an old acquaintance of ours. Number 381 was seen the same week than the Y&Y chakram, and it's logical to think that this new seller acquired both at the same time. Again, it's selling much cheaper, though this one looks unaltered.

> Opinion: Shed11costumehouse keeps listing VERY interesting production pieces. This time, a "clear file folder with with assorted costume information" about Xena's iconic main costume. Judging from the pics, I'd say it includes some info on Hercules's costume too. Really interesting.

> Opinion: This one is what appears to be the remnants of a Xena armband, though the copper is missing and only the leather remains. The piece was complete once, that's for sure, as the negative print of the copper is still visible over the leather's surface. The listing says this armband was donned by a a double named Cindy. Not so interesting as the previous item (at least for me) but I'm sure some people will see it some value as a relic.

> Opinion: Who doesn't love costume patterns? These are the 16 cardboard pieces that comprise the corset (meaning S5 or S6 only) of Xena's acrobatic double. Zoe Bell's name is written on several pieces, so I think it's safe to assume this was for her costume. Very cool, as Zoe was fantastic and I think all Xenites love her! A great opportunity for you all, costume makers!

> Opinion: This final item is the one I find most fascinating! This set was supposed to become a gauntlet, but never did. However, it includes all pieces necessary (except for the copper, as far as I can tell). This can be used to make new gauntlets, or to keep as it is, as a nice reminder of the series. Either way, it's a fantastic piece and a good treasure for any collector.

Seller says: "Lobster violin from “Married with Fishsticks,” Season 5, Episode 15 of the 1995-2001 TV series starring Lucy Lawless. Although this underwater extravaganza is considered by some to be the worst Xena episode of all time, the props created by the Pacific Renaissance props team for the misbegotten fantasy were incredible. This violin is no exception. The violin is @25 inches long and 14 inches wide at the widest point. Certificates of Authenticity included."

Price is $425. A bit too much if you ask me, but this a OOAK item after all.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Shed11costumehouse has just listed on eBay some very interesting items that I think will interest most of you.

They are production pieces that in words of the seller "(…) were brought to us by someone who had them in their archive since the shows finished. They have been authenticated by Jane Holland (Xena's head costume designer during Seasons 5 and 6) - these are her designs".
But let's come to the point. These are the articles in question:

- GABRIELLE'S S5 COSTUME PATTERNS

> Price: 100 € plus shipping

> More info: (from the listing)Gabrielle pattern - includes an Original Manilla Envelope (A4) with design drawing attached containing a large number of marked and labelled pattern pieces. The Pattern is for a GABRIELLE SIGNATURE CHARACTER COSTUME and holds patterns for RENEE O'CONNOR and DOUBLES. This is a 1-off item that has been archived since the show finished. This item is in production used condition and has not been used in any way since filming.

> More info: (from the listing)Gabrielle Red velvet Costume Notebook - Original 8B1 notebook with 15 filled pages of notes and some blanks. The Notebook is for the SEASON 6 GABRIELLE SIGNATURE CHARACTER COSTUME and details from costume construction for RENEE O'CONNOR and DOUBLES. This is a 1-off item that has been archived since the show finished. There are 15 pages of construction and detailing notes and include samples of velvet, leather and leather ribbons used for weaving as well as samples of beads used for the skirt.

> More info: (from the listing)The leather is for the bases of the Xena Armour costume. There are 3 large skins of leather 1 heavy, one medium and 1 light weight. There are also brass rings and assorted rivets (studs from the costume). Thise items are in production used condition and have not been used in any way since filming. The labelled box they have been stored in is pictured but not included in the auction.

Overall, they are hugely rare and most interesting items. This kind of production material is very hard to find, but it's incredibly descriptive about the process behind the whole costuming process in Xena Warrior Princess. Four small treasures, that's for sure, and very cheap (for now).

About me

My chakrams

Here both my Creation Ent chakrams, out of their shadowboxes :)

Welcome to my blog! :)

Hello! I'm Secret Kabeiros! Welcome to my little Xena spot :) I collect, buy and trade Xena props and replicas, above all iconic stuff that belonged to the main characters in their classical outfits. I also help other collectors by putting them in contact and interconnecting them with other buyers, sellers and traders.

I know there are many other Xena pages around, but here I'll try to update as often as possible to show what's cooking around the Xena prop world!